The gravel road stretches roughly two miles through wooded TVA land before reaching waterfront camping spots along Norris Lake. Fork Bend operates as dispersed camping on public land, where campers select their own sites among the trees near the water's edge. Multiple fire rings dot the peninsula, and visitors can drive close to most camping areas.
"You can go to the water and our dog loved it," notes Aly V., highlighting the direct lake access that draws many campers here. The shoreline varies from small beaches to rocky ledges, with water levels dropping significantly during fall and winter months before Memorial Day. Boaters frequent these waters during summer, creating steady traffic and noise from watercraft throughout the day. ATV riders and off-road vehicles also use the area regularly, though interactions remain friendly according to multiple reviews.
Campers report finding adequate cell coverage with Verizon, typically one to three bars depending on location. The area lacks facilities entirely—no restrooms, water, or picnic tables. Hunting occurs on the property during designated seasons. Several reviewers mention broken glass and scattered trash from previous visitors, though conditions vary by season and recent cleanup efforts. Anderson County Park provides developed facilities just 1.5 miles south for those needing amenities.
Access requires navigating rutted gravel sections that become challenging after rain. Most two-wheel-drive vehicles manage the route with careful driving, though higher clearance helps. "Very quiet in December," reports Andy K., suggesting seasonal visits avoid summer crowds. Fall camping offers cooler temperatures and fewer party groups that frequent the area during peak season.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsTVA Public Land- Fork Bend is located in Tennessee near La Follette
Coordinates
36.30840096 N
84.03500054 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/19/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/13/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/19/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/13/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if TVA Public Land- Fork Bend needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 54 min from Knoxville, TN
- 1 hr 33 min from Morristown, TN
- 2 hrs 14 min from Kingsport, TN
- 2 hrs 16 min from Johnson City, TN




























